EAGLES: Bradley has second interview with Birds

By ROB MAADDI, AP Pro Football Writer

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

PHILADELPHIA — They’re all aboard the Gus Bus in Philly.

Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley arrived in Philadelphia on Tuesday for his second interview with the Eagles, suggesting the nearly three-week search to replace Andy Reid could be nearing an end.

Bradley first met with the Eagles in Atlanta on Saturday, a day before Seattle lost to the Falcons in a NFC divisional playoff game. He’s the first of the 11 known candidates interviewed by Philadelphia to get a second meeting. He’s also expected to interview with Jacksonville this week, though the Eagles could make him an offer that changes those plans.

The 46-year-old Bradley has emerged as a favorite among fans based mainly on an old video clip in which he rips into the Seahawks’ defense during a game, screaming “Do your job!”

Bradley has received strong endorsements from Seattle coach Pete Carroll and current Cowboys defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who worked with him in Tampa Bay from 2006-08.

“He’s got a brilliant football mind,” Carroll said last week. “He’s got a way of reaching people and touching people and getting the best out of them, coaches and players alike. He’s got everything that you’re looking for.”

Bradley just completed his fourth season in Seattle. His defense finished first in the NFL in points allowed (15.3), fourth in yards (306.2) and tied for fourth in takeaways (31).

Seattle’s defense has improved each of the last three years and finished in the top 10 in points and yards the last two. The Eagles ranked in the top 10 in both categories in 2011 when they went 8-8. But they were 29th in points and 15th in yards this year. The defense declined after Todd Bowles replaced Juan Castillo as defensive coordinator in October.

Bradley began his NFL coaching career with Tampa Bay as a defensive quality control coach in 2006. He was the Buccaneers’ linebackers coach the next two seasons before going to Seattle. Bradley coached in college from 1990-2005, including two stints at North Dakota State and four years at Fort Lewis College.

The team has selectively released information on interviews, so there could be others on the list.

The Eagles interviewed former Ravens coach Brian Billick last Monday, according to a person familiar with the meetings. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team didn’t comment on that interview.

Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians was expected to meet with the Eagles, but that doesn’t appear to be happening.

The Eagles were granted permission to interview Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and former Syracuse coach Doug Marrone. Koetter signed an extension to stay in Atlanta and Marrone replaced Chan Gailey in Buffalo.

Reid was fired a day after the Eagles finished 4-12 in his 14th season. He took over for Romeo Crennel in Kansas City.